Reliability and diagnostic accuracy of cervicothoracic differentiation testing and regional unloading for identifying improvement after thoracic manipulation in individuals with neck pain.

Background & Purpose: The cervicothoracic differentiation test (CTDT), cervical and thoracic unloading are used clinically to guide treatment. This study sought to determine the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of these tests.

Methods: A prospective diagnostic accuracy study was performed at two outpatient clinics and one university research center.